EDUCATION
Information for Participants
- Wat Po © H.Schmid
Visa requirements
Participants who require visas to enter Thailand should obtain a visa from the Thai diplomatic or consular mission prior to entering Thailand. For information about visa requirements please refer to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php
Please note that in most cases, a passport must be valid for at least six months in order to obtain a visa. If registered participants experience any difficulty in obtaining a visa for Thailand, please contact APEID at: apeidconf[at]unescobkk.org.
Registration, Opening and Closing Sessions
More information on registration and the programme will be available closer to the Conference dates.
Bangkok climate
The climate in Bangkok in November is warm, with the temperature averaging 26°C (Celsius). Light tropical clothing will be appropriate when outdoors. The Conference venue is air-conditioned and the temperature is maintained in the range of 21-26°C.
Foreign exchange
Currency exchange facilities are normally available at the airport, hotels, banks, and currency exchange kiosks. The April 2008 exchange rate is approximately 31 Thai Baht to one US dollar.
Health
All major cities and towns are malaria-free, but if you plan to travel to rural areas, it may be advisable to seek advice from your doctor regarding prevention of malaria. Mosquito repellents are available locally.
It is not advisable to drink tap water anywhere in Thailand. Most hotels and restaurants provide bottled water. It is generally safe to take ice in established hotels, but we suggest you avoid ice in drinks in small restaurants and from roadside vendors.
If you wish to consult a doctor during your stay in Bangkok the usual way is to visit a hospital or clinic. Most major hospitals and clinics usually have doctors who speak English. Your hotel can advise you regarding the closest hospital to your location.
Getting around Bangkok
The main options for visitors are hotel limousine, taxi, skytrain and metro. Tuk-tuks (motorized tricycles) are sometimes cheaper, but less safe, and you need to bargain for your fare and destination before setting off. Traffic is very heavy in Bangkok, especially during peak hours in the mornings and early evenings; ask for advice as to how long it will take to get somewhere.
- Taxis
Metered taxis are generally available and all have the sign “taxi-meter” on the roof. Exercise caution when getting a taxi. It is usually best to hail a moving taxi, which will have a red light at the windscreen if it is available for hire. Stationary taxis may expect you to bargain for a price, rather than use the meter. Please ensure that the taxi meter is switched on, showing a red display of the number ‘35’ (which is the minimum fare charge) at the bottom of the dashboard, before you start your journey. It is advisable to ask the staff at your hotel to write down your destination in Thai as not all drivers understand English.
- BTS Skytrain - © H.Schmid
- Skytrain (BTS)
The Skytrain (BTS) is a convenient mode of transport along the main routes in the centre of the city. The Skytrain station nearest to the Conference venue is Mo Chit station. In a traffic-free situation, it may take approximately 20 minutes to travel from the Conference venue to Mo Chit station by car. There is also a shuttle bus linking Mo Chit station to the Conference venue, operating from 6 am to 10 pm, costing 30 Baht for a one-way ticket. Ticket offices are located at Total Centre outlet, Hall 4 Impact Exhibition Center and Total Centre outlet at Mo Chit Skytrain station.
- Metro-underground
The Metro runs along one route and is also quite a distance away from the Conference venue. There is a shuttle bus linking the Metro stations and the Conference venue, operating from 6 am to 10 pm, costing 30 Baht for a one-way ticket. Ticket offices are located at Total Center outlet, Hall 4 Impact Exhibition Center and Total Center outlet at Mo Chit Skytrain station.
Cultural guide
Below is some information regarding Thai culture and social norms that will help to guide you in your behaviour while in Thailand.
Emotions and "saving face"
Thais do not like confrontation so it is important to avoid conflict. A simple smile can resolve a potential conflict situation.
- Thais consider the loss of control of emotions to be uncivilized. Maintain a calm tone: raising your voice is not appreciated. Don't lose your temper: it is considered a weakness.
- Compromise is important. Avoid appearing to be rigid and say "yes" to at least one request.
Contact
- Thais do not appreciate physical contact with strangers and find public displays of affection to be offensive. Women must not touch monks.
Head and feet
- In Thai culture, the head is sacrosanct: you commit a grave offence by touching someone's head. Also, do not sit on pillows that are meant for sleeping as this represents touching the head.
- The feet are considered the lowest part of the body (spiritually) and it is disrespectful to show the soles of your feet. Do not rest your feet on furniture and never use them to point at someone or an object. Never step over somebody or a book or magazine.
Topics of conversation
- Avoid discussions of politics, religion and the Royal Family unless these topics are broached by your Thai hosts. And even then, be careful what you say.
Dress code
- Thai people take pride in personal cleanliness and appearance so it is important to dress neatly.
- Modesty in dress is highly esteemed, and wearing skimpy clothing is viewed as disrespectful.
Dining etiquette
- Do not blow your nose or lick your fingers while eating.
- The right hand must be used when picking up food eaten with fingers.
- Thais generally eat with a spoon and only use the fork to push food onto the spoon.
General information
The Thai national anthem is played at 8 am and 6 pm. When Thai people hear it playing they stand still, even in the street, and visitors are expected to do likewise.
- The Royal anthem (different from the national anthem) is played in cinemas before screening a film. The audience always stands to show respect for the King.
Further information about Thai culture: http://www.mahidol.ac.th/thailand/